Weston were leading early in the second half of this Combination Cup final, but faded away to lose 36-18.

Dings Crusaders 36 pts

Weston 18 pts

WESTON were ahead in the second minute and again in the 50th in this Combination Cup final at the Memorial Stadium in Bristol.

But they faded in the final quarter and Dings ran out comfortable winners.

Ross Bennett’s kick to the right corner forced a hurried clearance and from the resultant line-out, Jamie Rudkin was the try scorer.

Sheldon Stevens’ try brought Dings level and they went ahead with Steve Plummer’s penalty.

A penalty by James Mackay brought the score to 8-8 but two similar scores by Plummer before the break gave Dings the edge.

Mackay’s second penalty five minutes into the second half was quickly followed by his conversion of a try by Kirk Middlemiss following exceptional work by George Wright, George Sparks and replacement scrum-half Jack Conway.

The Seasiders were now leading 18-14 but in a clear case of mistaken identity, Rudkin was dealt a yellow card and this turned the match.

Gavin Curry touched down from a pushover as Dings took full advantage and there were further tries by Adam Bellamym, Neil Dipple and Sam Caven, Plummer adding one conversion.

Weston: K Middlemiss, G Wright, S Bennett, J Gallagher, P Sprague, J Mackay, R Bennett, D Swann, C Withers, S Williams, A Glen, A Russell, J Rudkin, R Bignell, G Sparks (c). Reps used: S Donegan, D Doughty, S Board, K Hobbs, J Conway, S Thompson, C Young.

WESTON prop David Swann qualified for his club blazer badge when he made his 65th first team appearance in the Bristol Combination Cup final against Dings Crusaders at the Memorial Stadium last Wednesday.

Swann, who was born in Woolwich in December 1981, was educated at the West Somerset Community College and appeared for the county schools at 15 to 18 levels.

After spells with Minehead and Exeter he originally joined the Seasiders in October 2002, making his debut at Blackheath.

He returned to Minehead RFC in 2005 before resuming his Weston career at the start of this season. He has scored eight tries in total.

His badge will be presented to him at the club annual dinner on May 13.